Born May 7, 1936 in Watauga County, he was a son of James and Della Hayes Austin. Claud was a proud breeder of Hereford cattle. He was employed as service manager for Suburban Propane in Boone before retirement. Mr. Austin was a member of Westview Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Virginia Barlow Austin; his daughter, Claudia Austin of Sanford; and one step-son, Bobby Archer and wife, Debi, of Denver, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Della Hayes Austin; and one brother, Craig Austin.

Funeral services for James Claud Austin will be conducted Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2014, at 2:30 at Westview Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Kenny Lang and Rev. Zane Tester. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1 until 2:30, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow in the Westview Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Westview Baptist Church, in care of Gary Cook, l851 Watauga River Rd., Sugar Grove, NC 28679.